Structurally integrated steel solar collector

Abstract

Herein is disclosed a flat plate solar heat collector unit. The solar collector is integrated as a structural unit so that the collector also functions as the building roof. The functions of efficient heat collection, liquid coolant flow passages, roof structural support and building insulation are combined into one unit.

What we claim is: 
     
       1. A solar energy collector unit comprising: an expanded metal energy collector panel including an upper sheet and a lower sheet;   a substantially I-shaped upstanding portion at either side of said collector panel unitary with said upper sheet;   a substantially C-shaped downwardly extending portion at either side of said collector panel unitary with said lower sheet;   glazing support means adjacent each of said upstanding portion;   a transparent panel covering said upper sheet secured by said glazing support means and,   insulation covering the bottom of said lower sheet between said downwardly extending portions.   
     
     
       2. In the solar energy collector unit set forth in claim 1, connecting means for connecting two adjacent collector units. 
     
     
       3. In the solar energy collector unit set forth in claim 2, the periphery of said upper and lower sheets and a plurality of spots within said periphery are secured to one another. 
     
     
       4. In the solar energy collector unit set forth in claim 3, fastening means for securing two adjacent collector units to one another. 
     
     
       5. In the solar energy collector unit set forth in claim 4, said fastening means including an inverted U-shaped cap strip covering adjacent said I-shaped upstanding portions and said glazing support means, and fastening means for fastening said cap strip to said I-shaped upstanding portions. 
     
     
       6. In the solar energy collector unit set forth in claim 5, said insulation being foam formed in place between said downwardly extending portions. 
     
     
       7. A solar energy collector unit comprising: an expanded metal energy collector panel including an upper sheet and a lower sheet;   a seam weld connecting said upper and lower sheets and defining a rectangular energy collecting area;   a plurality of spaced spot welds within said rectangular energy collecting area, defining a plurality of fluid flow channels;   fluid inflow means at one end of said rectangular energy collecting area, and fluid overflow means at the opposite end of said rectangular energy collecting area;   an upstanding I-shaped member integral with said upper sheet on both longer sides of said rectangular energy collecting area;   a downwardly extending C-shaped member integral with said lower sheet on both longer sides of said rectangular energy collecting;   glazing means supported by said upstanding I-shaped members for covering said rectangular energy collecting area with a transparent sheet; and   insulating means covering said lower sheet between said downwardly extending C-shaped members.